Neymar’s return to Brazilian football is making waves, and it’s not just because of his fame. His comeback coincides with a trend of big-name players joining the Brazilian Championship. With Neymar on board, the 2025 Brasileirão will feature 38 players who have graced the World Cup stage. This includes not just Brazilians but also athletes from countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
Flamengo is leading the pack with the most World Cup players, boasting eight athletes who have played in the tournament. These include Alex Sandro, Arrascaeta, Danilo, Gonzalo Plata, Matias Viña, Nicolás de la Cruz, Pedro, and Varela. Meanwhile, Corinthians and São Paulo each field four World Cup veterans. Not to be overlooked, Fluminense has Thiago Silva, a seasoned defender who has played in four World Cups and made 15 appearances for Brazil.
Neymar has participated in 13 World Cup matches, making him one of the most experienced players in the league. He also holds the record for the most goals scored by a Brazilian in World Cup history, with eight goals across three tournaments. Close behind is Enner Valencia from Internacional, who has netted six goals in six World Cup matches. Memphis Depay, now with Corinthians, has also made his mark, scoring three goals in nine appearances for the Netherlands.
While many of these players are seasoned pros, the Brasileirão isn’t just a place for stars to wind down their careers. Younger talents, like Palmeiras’ Facundo Torres and Flamengo’s Gonzalo Plata and Pedro, are looking to secure spots in future World Cup teams. The league is teeming with potential, showcasing a mix of established stars and rising favorites who are eager to shine on the international stage.
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Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, CR Flamengo, Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, São Paulo Futebol Clube, Santos FC, Memphis Depay, Neymar, Thiago Silva